Can You Go to Rehab For Depression and Anxiety

Sometimes Depression is Severe and Requires More Focused Treatment

When depression takes hold, no matter what the root cause, it can upend your life.  Each passing day finds you sinking deeper into the gray fog. Many will reach out to a mental health provider who can offer some help. But as much as we try to get better, there may come a time when you need a higher level of care. At this point you may wonder, “Can you go to rehab for depression”?

When major depression can become a major health crisis. Going to an inpatient depression rehab may be the best action to take. There you will be able to stabilize the crisis. They can keep a close eye on you and offer expert care. Going to rehab for depression may be a life saving step in the battle.

Knowing When Going to Rehab for Depression Can Help

Sometimes depression is difficult to treat. After trying sometimes many antidepressants, it may be that the drugs simply do not improve your symptoms. The symptoms may even worsen, even while on the drugs. When this happens you may think about getting more focused treatment and support.

Knowing when you have reached that point is key to taking steps to get the help you need. Here are some signs that the depression is severe enough to warrant inpatient depression treatment:

Extreme Inertia. Fatigue is a common symptom of depression. It feels like you have no energy at all.  But when extreme inertia settles in, just getting out of bed can become a challenge. The ability to function at a job or academics is impaired. Even taking the prescribed drugs or getting to your therapy session is a daunting task.

Substance Abuse. Some who suffer from major depression often acquire a substance use problem. They may drink in order to help the depression and become alcoholic. Instead of helping with the symptoms, drinking only makes the depression worse. You can even end up with a dual diagnosis.

Hurts Relationships. While in the grip of depression, personality changes can occur.  Frustration builds as it becomes harder to function. Work suffers and home life suffers and this causes strife in relationships. The feelings of despair can result in irritability and anger. As you push people away, you become isolated. This further disrupts relationships.

Thoughts of Suicide. Thinking about death, or even making suicide attempts are signs that more help is needed. When someone attempts to take their own life it is an acute medical event. Inpatient treatment can stabilize the patient and provide a safe, supportive setting while being treated for the depression.

Learning About Depression

Depression is the second most common mental health disorder. More than 17 million people, or 7% of U.S. adults, struggle with this disorder. Depression rates are much higher among women, with 8.7% of women versus 5.3% of men affected. The age bracket that sees the highest rates is that of young adults, with 13.1% of them affected. Sadly, more than one-third of individuals who suffer from depression do not seek treatment for it.

Basic Information About Depression

Depression is the second most prevalent mental health disorder experienced by Americans, with over 17 million people, or 7% of U.S. adults, struggling with this complicated disorder. Depression rates are significantly higher among women, with it impacting 8.7% of women versus 5.3% of men. The age bracket that sees the highest rates of depression is that of young adults, with 13.1% of them affected by this serious disorder. Sadly, more than one-third of individuals who suffer from depression do not seek treatment for it.

Different Features of Depression

There are different types of depression. Depression is diagnosed based on its features, and is grouped in these types:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

When someone feels sad most of the time for at least two weeks they may have MDD. The DSM-5 lists nine features, including:

• Feelings of sadness most of the time
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness.
• Loss of interest in usual activities.
• Being fatigued and listlessness.
• Feeling sluggish, with slowed thoughts and movements.
• Insomnia or hypersomnia.
• Weight loss or gain when not trying.
• Difficulty making decisions.
• Suicidal thoughts.

Dysthymia. 

When symptoms of chronic depression last for a long period, such as more than two years. This type is less severe than MDD. Symptoms include:

• Change in sleep habits.
• Change in eating habits.
• Fatigue
• Feelings of hopelessness.
• Low self-esteem.
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions.

Premenopausal Dysphoric Depression (PMDD). 

PMDD is a more intense version of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Symptoms include:

• Severe fatigue.
• Mood swings.
• Highly emotional.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Heart palpitations.
• Insomnia
• Forgetfulness
• PMS physical symptoms.

Postpartum Depression.

Some women (and men) may experience postpartum depression after the birth of a child. Symptoms include:

• Feelings of sadness.
• Intense irritability.
• Insomnia
• Mood swings.
• Loss of appetite.
• Thoughts of harming the baby.
• Thoughts of suicide.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

In some regions that lie further from the equator, a type of depressive disorder can occur. It is caused by a lack of sunlight during winter months. It is thought that the lack of sunlight results in vitamin D deficiency, which could fuel the disorder.

Bipolar Depression.

Extreme mood swings are the primary characteristic of bipolar disorder. The low moods, or depressive episodes, can occur alternately with the manic episodes, and in some types of bipolar, the depressive episodes are dominant.

Substance Use Disorder-Related Depression.

Depression can co-occur with a substance use disorder. The individual may also become dependent on alcohol or drugs, which can lead to serious negative outcomes. The substance might also impact brain chemistry, which can also affect mood.

What Causes a Depressive Disorder?

Although research and advanced imaging continue to offer us clues into this complex mental health disorder,the root causes of depression are still not completely understood. It is believed that 5 factors may play a significant role in whether someone develop a depressive disorder. These include:

Brain chemistry. Ongoing research into the role of brain activity and chemical imbalances shows these to be factors in mood regulation.

Family history. People with a strong family history of depression are more prone to it themselves, demonstrating a genetic component to depression.

Personality. Our unique temperaments play a part in how we process and manage stressful life events.

Life events. Major stressful life events, such as trauma, physical or sexual abuse, unexpected loss of a loved one, divorce, or a serious financial setback can trigger a depressive disorder.

Health conditions. Some health conditions may trigger a depressive disorder, such as cancer, stroke, lupus, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or HIV. The drugs themselves, used to manage medical conditions, can also contribute the side effect of depressed mood.

About Depression Rehab

When seeking out an inpatient depression rehab it is important that it has obtained accreditation by the Joint Commission. This assures the rehab uses best practices. Rehabs for depression provide a comfortable setting for an extended stay. The centers provide daily psychiatric care and support groups. Also, residential rehabs for depression teach  life skills, occupational skills, and social skills on top of the clinical care.

The Treatment Specialist will locate the Best Depression Rehab for You

The Treatment Specialist is an online resource for informative articles on mental health conditions and treatment options for adults, teens, and families. For more information, call The Treatment Specialist today at (866) 644-7911.